Pigmentation & Melasma: What to Know Before You Book
A structured treatment plan for uneven tone, dark spots, or melasma, typically combining in-clinic treatments with a consistent home skincare routine.
Who it’s for
Anyone with patches of darker skin, sun spots, or melasma (often triggered or worsened by sun and hormonal changes) wanting a longer-term improvement plan.
What to expect at your visit
This is rarely a single-visit fix, expect a combination approach and a realistic timeline discussed upfront at your consultation.
What results look like over time
This is rarely a quick fix, expect a multi-month plan combining in-clinic treatment with consistent home skincare, with gradual improvement rather than a single before/after.
Downtime & aftercare
Daily, reapplied SPF is the single most important habit for melasma and pigmentation, especially living this close to the equator.
How to prepare for your visit
Bring your current skincare routine to consultation so it can be reviewed, and avoid new active ingredients in the two weeks before your first treatment.
Often paired with
Always paired with a strict home skincare and SPF routine, without which in-clinic results tend not to hold.
Who might want to wait
If pigmentation appeared very suddenly or is asymmetric and unusual in shape, it should be medically assessed first to rule out other causes before starting a cosmetic treatment plan.
“Can melasma be cured completely?”
Melasma is typically managed rather than permanently cured, especially since sun and hormones can re-trigger it, so ongoing maintenance is part of a realistic plan.
What Recovery and Results Look Like
Treatment for pigmentation is rarely a single session, since melasma in particular is a chronic, hormonally-influenced condition that responds to a sustained plan rather than one fix, and Dr. Alaa is upfront about this at your first consultation. Depending on which approach is used, whether peels, laser, or topical protocols, expect mild flaking, redness, or sensitivity for a few days. The most important, and most often underestimated, part of pigmentation treatment is daily broad-spectrum SPF, without it, melasma and sun-triggered pigmentation commonly return even after successful treatment, especially given how intense and consistent Maldives sun exposure is. Visible fading typically starts within 3 to 4 weeks of a treatment course, with continued improvement over 2 to 3 months. Because melasma can flare with hormonal changes, sun exposure, or heat, maintenance sessions every few months are often part of a realistic long-term plan rather than a one-time cure.
Ready to talk it through?
Message Dr. Alaa directly on WhatsApp for an honest, no-pressure recommendation, or read the full Pigmentation & Melasma treatment page.
Guide FAQ
Why does my pigmentation keep coming back?
Sun exposure, heat, and hormonal changes are the most common triggers, especially living this close to the equator, which is why daily SPF matters so much.
How long until I see improvement?
Most plans are assessed for change over 8-12 weeks, since pigmentation responds slowly compared to other skin concerns.
Will pregnancy or hormonal changes affect treatment?
Yes, melasma is strongly hormone-linked, so pregnancy, contraception changes, or hormonal shifts are all relevant context to share at consultation.
What SPF should I actually be using?
A broad-spectrum SPF 50, reapplied through the day, is the standard recommendation, particularly given how much direct sun exposure daily life in the Maldives involves.
